Which description matches downstream care?

• A. Treating disease after it occurs
• B. Addressing root causes
• C. Public health interventions
• D. Screening community health needs

Answer: (A)

Downstream care focuses on treating illness after it has developed. This description fits downstream care because it involves providing treatment and management for a condition that is already present, rather than trying to prevent it or address its underlying causes. Upstream approaches, in contrast, aim to reduce risk factors and root causes before disease occurs, such as through broader public health measures or addressing social determinants. Public health interventions can be upstream because they aim to prevent problems at the population level, while screening needs assessment is about identifying needs and planning rather than treating disease after onset. So, treating disease after it occurs is the best fit for downstream care.